A Finsbury Park theatre is set to benefit from a star-studded charity auction hosted by Lord of the Rings actor Sir Ian McKellen, who is championing the site.

The gala is taking place to raise money for an education floor at Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, a new theatre comprising a 200-seat main auditorium, a 90-seat studio and a café-bar split across two levels which is set to open in early 2013.